The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain William Ralph Schwertfeger (AFSN: FV-3212942/3797511), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from 22 February 1972 to 20 March 1972, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Captain Schwertfeger resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain William Ralph Schwertfeger (AFSN: FV-3212942/3797511), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-4D of the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia, on 16 February 1972. On that date, Captain Schwertfeger was the strike team leader on an air strike of highest importance deep inside hostile territory. Because photo reconnaissance of the target area was extremely limited, he was primarily tasked to locate and mark the targets for the strike flights which followed. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Schwertfeger remained in this extremely hostile environment for over two hours locating targets and directing strikes against these targets, despite continually receiving intense anti-aircraft fire. By his courageous efforts, Captain Schwertfeger accounted for destruction of two heavy field pieces, five anti-aircraft positions, and a supply warehouse. Shortly thereafter his aircraft took a disabling hit forcing him down in hostile territory. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Schwertfeger has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William Ralph Schwertfeger (AFSN: FV-3212942/3797511), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia, on 28 January 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Schwertfeger, as an F-4D Forward Air Controller, displayed unparalleled courage and selfless devotion to the accomplishment of his mission while acting as an On Scene Commander for a Search and Rescue over an extremely well defended hostile area. By constantly disregarding the high threat to his life, Lieutenant Schwertfeger remained in the vicinity of the downed aircrew, drawing the hostile force’s intense barrage of ground fire to his own aircraft, enabling the Search and Rescue aircraft to work in a more permissive environment. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Schwertfeger has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.